USDA may lift Japanese apple restrictions

USDA may lift Japanese apple restrictions    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said it's proposing to allow, under certain conditions, imports of all varieties of Fuji apples from Japan into the United States.
   Based on recently completed research, the agency has determined that the measures in place for Fuji (Malus domestica) apples imported into the United States from Japan would be effective at mitigating any pest risks associated with these apples.
   To ensure plant pests, such as the yellow peach moth and the fruit tree spider mite, do not enter the country through these imports, APHIS would require the cold treatment and fumigation of the apples under the supervision of an APHIS official in Japan. The apples would also have to be inspected prior to export to the United States.
   Details about the proposed rule are available here.